Plan a Student Tour
Bring Scripture, History, and Culture to Life
Give your students a firsthand encounter with the world of the New Testament and the ideas that shaped Western culture. Our university and high school programs connect classroom learning with the places, people, and stories behind it.
One Leader, a Connected Story
A dedicated Footstep leader accompanies your group throughout the tour, weaving biblical teaching, history, and culture into a story that builds from one site to the next. Our experienced Christian teachers encourage questions, discussion, and reflection along the way. We handle the travel details so faculty can focus on teaching, mentoring, and discovering alongside their students.
Student Programs in Greece and Italy
Greece and Italy as Living Classrooms
In Greece, follow Paul through Neapolis, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Explore Delphi, read Aeschylus’s Agamemnon at Mycenae, and consider the Peloponnesian War in Sparta. Discover how the classical world helps us understand the setting of the New Testament.
In Italy, explore Paul’s letter to the Romans, the witness of the early Church, and the history of the Roman Forum. Trace the connections among Christian faith, classical history, and the art and architecture around you.
Experience the Culture Together
Centrally located hotels place you within the daily life of the cities you visit. Walk through ancient and modern neighborhoods, share gyros in Greece or panini in Italy, and make room for conversations that deepen learning and build friendships.
Our Travel Philosophy
We work with your school to create a journey that serves your teaching goals and gives students time to learn, discover, and grow.
Your curriculum, ourlocal expertise.
Our deep knowledge of Greece and Italy helps us tailor each itinerary—from classical history and Roman oratory to Paul’s letters and Christian heritage.
One leader from start to finish.
The same dedicated Footstep leader works with you during preparation and accompanies your tour, connecting the teaching from one site to the next.
Hospitality around the table.
All meals are included and thoughtfully chosen, introducing students to local cuisine and the pleasure of sharing meals together.
Stay close to local life.
Carefully selected hotels in walkable neighborhoods give your group opportunities to experience the cities beyond their historic sites.
Time to reflect and grow.
A thoughtful pace makes room for questions, conversation, prayer, and worship—helping students connect God’s Word with what they’re discovering.
Flexible Group Sizes
Groups typically range from 25 to 45 travelers. Complimentary places are available for tour hosts when minimum enrollment requirements are met.
Itineraries
We can customize for curriculum and schedule. Click below to view sample itineraries
14-Day Greece Tour
Studying Paul in Context
Study: Explore Paul’s world and discover how he communicated the gospel across cultures—with lessons for Christian witness today.
Explore: Discover the Parthenon, Delphi, ancient Greek theater, and a historic Orthodox monastery.
Experience: Hike Mount Olympus, swim in the Aegean, browse lively markets, and share meals at local tavernas.
10-Day Italy
Romans and the Renaissance
Study: Read Paul’s letter to the Romans and trace the Church’s story from its earliest days through the Renaissance and beyond.
Explore: Visit Rome’s Colosseum, Pantheon, and catacombs, explore Ostia Antica, and discover Florence’s art and architecture.
Experience: Enjoy Tuscany’s landscapes and share the flavors of Italy over pizza, pasta, and panini.
Meet your Leaders
Julia first discovered a love for the ancient Mediterranean world in college when she was studying Latin as a requirement. After seeing Agamemnon's mask face-to-face, she declared a new major in Classics and never looked back. She is excited to invite you to consider the beautiful and complex story of God and us, specifically through the life and writings of the Apostle Paul in the places he lived and wrote. Her conclusions: stories and experience show us that humans are nothing if not inconsistent; and our Triune God is nothing if not faithful.
Julia VanderMolen
Josh currently serves as the Executive Director of Christian Ministry at Ashland University in Ohio. Over the last decade, he has worked as a chaplain and faculty member within higher education. In his teaching role, his particular focus has been on the New Testament, Pauline studies, youth ministry, and the spirituality of emerging adults. Josh continues to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ by partnering with Footstep Ministries. He finds joy in exploring God's creation, reading the scriptures, and reflecting on the deep history of the Christian tradition.
Josh Sumpter
Jeff Cramer
A lifetime educator, having spent the last twenty-five years teaching at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he enjoyed helping students understand the connections between a liberal arts education and their Christian faith. He is excited to use his teaching background while traveling with others and sharing the rich Biblical, historical, and cultural beauty of Greece and Italy. His hope is that, through these experiences, travelers will come away with a refreshed and deeper sense of their faith.
Dave Sparks
He grew up traveling to Greece nearly every summer and relishes welcoming people to a land he knows and loves. He is thrilled to share with you his knowledge of Greek life, history, and architecture, while also exploring how we as Christians can relate to members of the early church. In particular, he enjoys pointing out the aspects of scripture that are often overlooked, and how the characters from the New Testament are more complex than most imagine. A deep theological discussion while hiking through Byzantine ruins is his idea of a good time.